Library Associate

Sno-Isle Libraries • Oak Harbor, WA

1d • $31 - $43 • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Associate performs skilled paraprofessional library support services at one or more community libraries or Library on Wheels. The position contributes to effective library operations by providing services, spaces, and resources that represent diverse cultures and perspectives and are intentionally inclusive and accessible. At the Oak Harbor Library, the associate supports customer service, may serve as the staff member in charge when needed, assists customers with accounts and technology, registers new customers, processes materials, answers phones, and responds to basic reference questions. This part-time role is not expected to develop or provide library programming, although programming duties may be assigned as listed among the position's essential functions.

The schedule may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and occasional Sundays. The successful candidate may need to adapt to schedule or location changes based on library needs. The position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 2. Positions typically report to a Library Manager, Assistant Library Manager, or Library Circulation Supervisor. Direct supervision is not normally part of the role, though the associate may provide work direction to coworkers or volunteers as a designated lead.

Most work takes place in a generally accessible, safe indoor environment. Duties include identifying, organizing, scanning, and inspecting library materials; frequently moving materials weighing up to 35 pounds and carts of materials; operating computers; and sometimes remaining stationary at a workstation for extended periods. The role may require travel between sites in varying weather and traffic conditions. The employee must be able to drive with a valid Washington State driver's license or arrange independent transportation.

Sno-Isle Libraries states that it values staff members' lived experiences and is committed to embedding equity in the organization. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• Two years of experience providing direct customer service.
• College-level education or specialized training, such as library science, program presentation, or another profession-based subject area; the posting states that required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of education and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of established web-based databases and techniques for searching and accessing them.
• Thorough knowledge of established practices and procedures for an integrated library system (ILS).
• Thorough knowledge of library policies and procedures for determining customer needs and interests.
• Knowledge of collection development policies and procedures and of library resources, programs, and services.
• Knowledge of alphabetical and numeric systems for arranging library materials and basic automated bibliographic identification.
• Strong customer service skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to uphold equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in the workplace and community and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to handle and resolve disruptive behavior effectively, work independently, set priorities, and maintain effective working relationships with the public and coworkers.
• Ability to operate relevant computer systems and equipment, including hardware and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, electronic databases, email, internet navigation, office equipment, and security systems.
• Ability to drive and hold a valid Washington State driver's license or make independent transportation arrangements for travel between sites.
• Ability to identify and organize library materials using small-print numbers and alphabetical characters, scan and inspect materials, and frequently move materials weighing up to 35 pounds and carts of materials.
• Ability to operate computers and remain stationary at one workstation for extended periods when required.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic reference and information services, helping customers use library facilities, equipment, resources, and services; refer complex readers' advisory and reference questions to a librarian or appropriate staff member.
• Perform circulation desk tasks and provide courteous, efficient customer service.
• Create and present programming for customer groups as assigned, and develop related materials such as reading lists, promotional displays, and presentations.
• Train customers in basic library skills, including use of public computers, catalogs, reference computers, the internet, and devices.
• Help customers resolve technical problems and maintain and troubleshoot community library equipment.
• Maintain collections using reports and data, including weeding items based on condition and reallocating library materials.
• Perform other library support work, including opening and closing buildings and keeping the library neat, clean, and orderly.
• Serve as the community library's designated in-charge staff member when supervisory staff or the building manager are absent.
• Travel between work sites as staffing needs require.
• Make public presentations, prepare correspondence and reports, train new staff, attend assigned meetings and training, assist with special projects, participate on committees or teams, and perform other duties as assigned.
• May coordinate volunteers at a community library.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Dental coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Employer-paid ORCA Passport card
• Employees working 20 or more hours per week also receive medical and vision coverage, retirement savings, life insurance, and flexible healthcare and daycare spending accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed